Monday, September 18, 2017

Mudsmith

If I've said it once, I'll say it one thousand times: I love quality coffee shops that (can) stay open late. Years ago, the only way a caffeinated establishment would dare stay open late (at least on the east coast) would be if said coffeehouse had an open mic night. But now, across the nation more and more coffee bars keep their doors open past 5 PM, whether it's because they have delved into the food + liquor scene or simply because patrons are just fans of late night lattes.
One Dallas (and now Fort Worth) establishment known for it's excellent coffee and eclectic decor is Mudsmith. Their Dallas location proved to be right in my neighborhood one evening after dinner, and since it was a school night, I had a craving for a cup of evening coffee and a little reading. Arriving on the doorstep after finding some nearby parking, I spotted a rustic exterior haloed by the evening streetlights. The front door, wooden and foreboding, is flanked on both sides by patio seating; when opened, I was ushered into what felt like an adventurers club and saloon, with copious taxidermic trophies, maps and tough-looking portraits adorning the walls. From their central bar flowed all refreshment, complete with two espresso machines, a full set of taps for various beers and plenty of other drink and food options.

As for my coffee that evening, I ordered up an espresso of an Ethiopian and a pourover sourced from Mexico, both coffees coming from nearby Avoca Coffee Roasters. The espresso, pulled medium with brown crema, smacked of vanilla cake, almond milk, lemon, sugar cookie and a little spinach, making for a bright and super sugary pair of shots. The pourover also delivered a toothsome brew, though a touch thicker, with notes of toasted rye, licorice, walnut and whole milk in a medium/heavy body.

For a shop open until at least 10 PM, the place was abuzz throughout my visit, varying from friends socializing over vittles to students staring at laptops. Thus, if you seek a coffee shop of worth open 17 out of 24 hours, check out Mudsmith in Dallas or Fort Worth.

These wonderful folks made this visit possible in part. Make sure to check them out!